Be Kind and Considerate … It’s More Than Just a Catchy Phrase

One of the mantras that you see all over social media is, “Be kind and considerate.” But should you need a reminder to behave that way? Although it’s easy to be considerate, some folks act like it’s a chore. They’re so focused on their own personal needs that they don’t even realize — or care — how their behavior affects others.

It doesn’t take much to show up on time, say “please and thank you,” or share things with others. Yet, why is it so rare these days? The way I see it, some people are thoughtless, others are selfish, and some folks think they’re above it all. (Ugh!) They don’t think twice about babbling on their cell phone around others, criticizing people in public, or treating restaurant servers like second-class citizens.

10 Easy Ways to Be Kind and Considerate

If people were a little more mindful and spent a little more time being considerate, just think how much better the world would be. Here are 10 easy ways to be kind and considerate:

Caring. Be charitable. Show a willingness to serve others’ needs rather than your own.

Empathetic. Be understanding. Put yourself in other people’s shoes. Think how you’d feel if the roles were reversed.

Selfless. Be generous. Give out of kindness, not obligation. Remember, you don’t have to be rich to give; your gift can be as simple as a smile.

Evenhanded. Be fair-minded. Make collaborative efforts win-win rather than winner takes all.

Conscientious. Be team oriented. Pull your weight rather than expecting others to bear the burden.

Supportive. Be kindhearted. Provide a helping hand. As you climb your ladder of success, reach down and pull others along with you.

Respectful. Be civil. We can’t expect others to abandon their values any more than we would forsake our own.

Tolerant. Be open-minded. Don’t judge people you don’t know.

Polite. Be courteous. Respect other people’s personal space. Be dependable. Being late is a sign of disrespect. Be sincere. Don’t feel ashamed to say, “I’m sorry.” Be sensitive. There’s a good time and a bad time for everything. Be well-mannered. Would you like to eat across from yourself?

Compassionate. Be charitable. Stand up for those who are less fortunate. Help people get back on their feet. But don’t make them dependent on your good graces.

Some folks are so busy stuffing their face that they don’t see their neighbor starving.

Be Mindful of Your Actions

I’m sure those who tell you to be kind and considerate have the best of intentions. But although slogans are great, they’re just words. The key is to treat people that way.

How much time do you spend satisfying your own personal needs, coddling your feelings, and catering to your own comfort and convenience? Conversely, how much do you focus on the needs of others?

Some things in life are difficult. Being kind and considerate isn’t one of them. In a world where you can be anything, be the person who goes out of your way to make a positive difference in someone’s life. As Aesop said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

Check out Franks NEW book, Leadership by Example: Be a role model who inspires greatness in others.

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